Startle Modification: Implications for Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, and Clinical Science - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521087899 ISBN 13: 9780521087896

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

The startle response (as a result of a sudden, loud noise, for instance) is a reflex that is wired into the brain at a very basic level. Although everybody will exhibit such a reflex, the strength and quickness of the startle response is modified by a subject's underlying psychoneurological state. Therefore, the nature of this modification is now seen as an accurate, objective measure of very deep neurological processes. This book is the first comprehensive volume devoted to startle modification. It offers a unique overview of the methods, measurement, physiology, and psychology of the phenomenon, particularly modification of the human startle eyeblink. Many of the world's leading investigators in the field have made contributions to this volume. Coverage includes elicitation and recording of startle blink; issues in measurement and quantification; the neurophysiological basis of the basic startle response and its modification by attentional and affective processes; psychological processes underlying short and long lead interval modification (including prepulse inhibition); applications of startle modification to the study of psychopathology, including schizophrenia, affective disorders, and psychopathy and developmental processes; and relationships with ERPs and behavioral measures of information processing.

About this title

Book Description

Measurement of the seemingly simple human startle reflex has the potential of shedding light on such important processes as attention and emotion in both normal and abnormal populations. This book is the first to comprehensively cover this field. Information is provided by many of the world's leading authorities on how to record and measure startle and how it is used in cognitive science, clinical science, and neuroscience. The book provides an introduction to those who want an introduction to startle modification and a view of recent research for those already familiar with this versatile measure.

Review

"In summary, this book succeeds because it is one of the first texts to comprehensively review this newly emergent and important research area...I look forward to a second edition in a few years time that could deservedly be called a Handbook of Startle Modification. Contemporary Psychology

"This is a valuable and comprehensive new book in which the state of knowledge of the research paradigm of startle modification is summarized. Researchers who work in psychophysiology should read and refer to this book." Doody Publishing, Inc.

"...this book succeeds because it is one of the first texts to comprehensively review this newly emergent and important research area. It provides an excellent starting point for both the graduate student and experienced researcher wishing to incorporate startle modification procedures in to their work...I strongly urge researchers interested in the interrelationships between attentional and affective processes but who have not explored the startle modification paradigm, to acquire a copy of this book to immerse themselves into this fascinating area of study." Contemporary Psychology, APA Review of Books

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521087899
• ISBN 13: 9780521087896
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 400
• Editor: Dawson Michael E., Schell Anne M., Bohmelt Andreas H.